A week ago today I was talking about A New Start in blogland. I asked for comments about what people thought of the blog and what they would like to see on the blog. The answers were varied and interesting. For a start Lydia wanted (amongst other things) some more pictures of Dalamory. This one below is from an entirely new angle. A neighbour in the village had been clearing some of his garden ground, and it is amazing the view that has been opened up. Quite a metaphor for how I feel.
In this past week I have been encountering new people on the net: kindred spirits, people with illness, an amazing number of people in the church – some training and some in parishes or other work. One thing that has delighted me has been the growth in the number of Church of Scotland people who are joining in the blogging world. (Incidentally, how come CofS seem more reluctant to embrace change and technology? – By the way congrats to all those who are already blogging and sharing their lives.) I also read blogs from older people and retirees – as I said before – Ageing is fascinating once it starts to happen, and of course it comes to us all if we are lucky. I have found poets with amazing talents and photographers who take breathtaking photographs. And of course with the way the election is going, it has been enlightening to read the views of others and to find blogs from politicians and pundits. I strayed into the area of medical matters – after all who isn’t interested in their health?
In fact, it is like the start of a whole new journey and a new world – one in which I can join, even though rushing around physically is beyond me. I have noticed that most people have an active and fascinating blogroll, so I intend to work on mine – if it is worth reading it is worth sharing. This brings me back to what I should share. My inclination sometimes is to keep quiet about personal health matters – particularly an ongoing struggle with my weight. Would anyone be interested in updates? Or is that just a step too far? I talk a lot about Misty, the cairn terrier – she wonders if anyone would like her to write an occasional guest entry.
OK – that is enough blurbing and questions. I now launch forth this missive into cyberspace, trusting that direction will come in response.
From VALENTINE DOG
I have written to and about Misty often and would love to hear from her. It will be interesting to hear her voice and her views on life in Dalamory and the world in general. I must visit with her soon and catch up.
I write about whatever I want. I honestly try not to write for an audience because I am afraid it will skew how I write and distort/modify the expression of my true thoughts.
Thanks Mina, I shall have to take some lessons. Misty has grown up a lot but she still has many quirks. We’ll have to see what happens.
Tabor, what you say is very true, and I am keen not to be led into “writing to order” in such a way that my own voice is distorted. You do very well at holding your own and staying true to yourself in “One Day at a Time.” Thanks for sharing.
Hi Freda,
Thank you for stopping by my blog and for the encouraging comments (there and here). I think you need to write about what enthuses you, especially if you are writing for your own pleasure first and foremost. As Tabor says, writing for an audience will, I suspect, distort how/what you write. There are a few ‘professional’ blogs I read but they do give that slight sense of detachment and lacking in true passion (regardless of the skill of the writers).
Looking forward to reading more of your thoughts (and even a dog’s-eye view of the world). And you’ve also reminded me that my own blogroll needs a bit of an overhaul.
Thanks John, for your pertinent observations. I am getting the sense of the need to ‘say it like you feel it” in the online world. Too much of my active working life has been about compromise, and it would be good to lose the sense of trying to please other people all the time! Not that I want to be terribly rude, (like say Paxman or Jeremy Clarkson) The dog’s-eye view of the world appeals.
I had a good look through your blog yesterday. I like the mix of topics. My blog is a mix of issues, latest news in Anglicanism, personal matters etc.
I like the faith element of your blog and I like to read about the personal preoccupations people have, whether it is weight or loneliness or gardening.
The photos of Dalamory are gorgeous and as a “dog person” with a small, very much loved terrier of my own, I would like to see and hear more about (from?) the very beautiful Misty.
Thanks Suem, for sharing your thoughts on the blog. There is a lot needing updated, but I am waiting for a new theme to be issued on WordPress. That way I can recover the photos on the additional pages and hopefully include some more. As to Misty, well we are involved in negotiations on terms and conditions. She is holding out for more treats.
Well Freda I love all aspects of your blog. I like knowing that you are there whenever I want to make that cousin connection. Your personal and health comments are appreciated since I have not much history in that regard and I thoroughly enjoy reading your views on faith, politics and everything else even from this far removed perspective! As for Misty, she’s a keeper. You have a way with words no matter what your topic. I love seeing the pictures too.
Thanks Sheila, for your kind comments – they help a lot. And I love the phrase “Misty is a keeper” – you bet! I have been a bit lazy with the photos lately, so intend to try and see the world with a renewed eye.
Hi Freda, yours was the first blog I ever followed ! The attraction was a connection with a fellow UK female rev with a ministry very different from mine. Years have passed, and circumstances have changed, but I’m still reading. I wanted to encourage you that being yourself is enough to keep me reading. And, I envy your freedom in retirement, to say what you want !
Barb, Thanks for your encouragement. I am getting a strong sense that blogging in retirement is freeing as well as useful. Who knows who we may meet? And there is always the chance to make a difference to someone’s day.